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High Tibial Osteotomy

If you need a High Tibial Osteotomy, please Schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists as soon as possible.

What Is A High Tibial Osteotomy?

Surgeons perform a high tibial osteotomy (HTO) to treat specific knee conditions like osteoarthritis or malalignment. This involves altering the alignment and distribution of weight-bearing forces in the knee joint. Physicians do this by cutting and reshaping the upper portion of the tibia to adjust the angle where leg bones meet. However, do not get confuse this procedure with Osteotomy for Malunion which deals with the hand.

High Tibial Osteotomy Procedure

The surgical team administers either general anesthesia or regional anesthesia to ensure the patient’s comfort and pain control during the procedure. Additionally, they make a small incision on the side of the knee to access the upper portion of the tibia. Moreover, the surgeon then carefully cuts and reshapes the upper tibia to change the alignment of the knee joint. Doing this adjusts the precise location and angle of the cut according to the patient’s specific requirements. Surgeons then use specialized surgical implants to hold the bone in place, providing stability during the healing process. Finally, the surgical team closes the incision with sutures or surgical staples and applies a sterile dressing.

High Tibial Osteotomy Rehabilitation

After the surgery, healthcare providers typically recommend a period of rehabilitation to facilitate recovery and optimize the benefits of the osteotomy. The rehabilitation program may involve physical therapy exercises aimed at restoring strength, range of motion, and function of the knee joint. Weight-bearing and activity restrictions may also be recommended to safeguard the healing bone.

Orthopedic surgeons perform a high tibial osteotomy with the aim of redistributing weight-bearing forces within the knee joint, thereby relieving pain and improving function for individuals with specific knee conditions such as isolated medial compartment osteoarthritis or certain types of malalignment. This procedure is often considered for younger, active patients who are not suitable candidates for total knee replacement surgery.

High tibial osteotomy comes with potential risks and complications, including infection, bleeding, blood clots, delayed bone healing, nerve or blood vessel injury, and the possibility of requiring further surgeries. It plays an essential role to undergo a comprehensive evaluation and consultation with an orthopedic surgeon to assess if high tibial osteotomy is appropriate for your specific knee condition. The surgeon will evaluate factors such as your age, overall health, knee alignment, degree of cartilage damage, and individual goals to offer personalized treatment recommendations.

 

If you would like to speak to an Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Specialist, give us a call at 817-697-4038, or contact us over the web. Tele-medicine appointments are also available.